Tobacco to take to the sky

Boeing, South African Airways (SAA) and SkyNRG have announced they are collaborating to make sustainable aviation biofuel from a new type of tobacco plant, according to a story in the Nigerian Tribune.

This initiative broadens cooperation between Boeing and SAA to develop renewable jet fuel in ways that support South Africa’s goals for public health as well as economic and rural development.

Speaking on the deal, J. Miguel Santos, managing director for Africa, Boeing International, said that: “It’s an honor for Boeing to work with South African Airways on a pioneering project to make sustainable jet fuel from an energy-rich tobacco plant.

“South Africa is leading efforts to commercialise a valuable new source of biofuel that can further reduce aviation’s environmental footprint and advance the region’s economy.”

SkyNRG is expanding production of the hybrid plant known as Solaris as an energy crop that farmers could grow instead of traditional tobacco.